Alex Pereira Named 2026 Recipient of Forrest Griffin Community Award

UFC honors former champion for exceptional volunteer and charity work

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:39pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring rapid, neon-colored brushstrokes that capture the raw athletic energy and movement of a person practicing jiu-jitsu, with their face and body dissolving into unrecognizable splatters of paint, conceptually representing the dynamic impact of UFC fighter Alex Pereira's charitable work.The dynamic energy and community impact of UFC star Alex Pereira's charitable work is captured in a vibrant expressionist painting.Las Vegas Today

UFC has announced that former UFC middleweight and light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has been named the 2026 recipient of the Forrest Griffin Community Award. The award recognizes a UFC athlete for their exceptional volunteer and charity work and the meaningful impact their efforts have on the community.

Why it matters

The Forrest Griffin Community Award is a prestigious honor that highlights UFC athletes who use their platform to give back and make a positive difference. Pereira's selection showcases his commitment to supporting underprivileged youth in Brazil through his non-profit organization, The Instituto Poatan.

The details

As the 2026 recipient, Pereira will receive a $25,000 donation to his charity and will partner with an artist to design and auction a one-of-a-kind pair of UFC gloves, with proceeds benefiting The Instituto Poatan. The institute offers free after-school programs including tutoring, English courses, computer literacy, nutrition, and jiu-jitsu training to over 500 local youth in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

  • Pereira will be honored during the 2026 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on July 9 in Las Vegas.

The players

Alex Pereira

A former UFC middleweight and light heavyweight champion who founded The Instituto Poatan, a non-profit organization that provides free educational and athletic programs to underprivileged youth in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Dana White

The UFC President & CEO who personally selected Pereira as the 2026 recipient of the Forrest Griffin Community Award.

Forrest Griffin

A UFC Hall of Famer whose name is honored by the annual community service award.

Ant Kai

A celebrity artist who will partner with Pereira to design and auction a one-of-a-kind pair of UFC gloves, with proceeds benefiting The Instituto Poatan.

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What they’re saying

“Alex is one of the biggest stars in the world and it's great to see him use his platform to give back to the community by helping youth in Brazil. By offering free after-school tutoring, computer literacy programs, and jiu-jitsu training to more than 500 local youth, he is directly helping the students create better lives for themselves. It's an honor to present him with this award.”

— Dana White, UFC President & CEO

What’s next

Pereira will be honored for this award during the 2026 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony as part of the 14th Annual UFC International Fight Week on July 9 in Las Vegas.

The takeaway

Pereira's selection for the Forrest Griffin Community Award highlights the positive impact UFC athletes can have when they use their platform to support local communities. His work with The Instituto Poatan demonstrates a long-term commitment to empowering underprivileged youth through education and athletics.